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Pierce and IAFC announce Fire Chief of the Year honorees
In partnership with Pierce Manufacturing Inc., the International Association of Fire Chiefs announced the “IAFC Fire Chief of the Year 2024” honorees at 
Fire-Rescue International (FRI) in Dallas, TX.

APPLETON, Wis. (August 14, 2024) – Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) business, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), is pleased to announce the 2024 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year honorees. Volunteer Fire Chief C. Reid Vaughan of the Cuba Fire Department in Alabama and Career Fire Chief Randy Royal of the Colorado Springs Fire Department in Colorado have been named this year’s recipients.

Since 1996, the IAFC has annually recognized one volunteer and one career fire chief for their outstanding service. A specially selected committee evaluates nominations, focusing on individuals who have made significant contributions in leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, and public service. The 2024 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year awards were presented at the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) event in Dallas, Texas. 

“We are privileged to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of these exceptional fire service leaders,” stated Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “Chief Vaughan and Chief Royal exemplify true leadership and are vital pillars within their communities, serving as mentors for future generations. Pierce Manufacturing is honored to recognize their significant contributions.”

Volunteer Fire Chief Honoree – C. Reid Vaughan, Cuba Fire Department (Alabama)

Chief C. Reid Vaughan has been a lifelong member of his community in Cuba, Alabama. Serving as the Volunteer Fire Chief since 1994, Chief Vaughan has demonstrated unwavering dedication and leadership. Alongside his role at the fire department, he serves as the Section Chief over Regional Services at the Alabama Fire College. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in music, as well as a graduate degree in school administration and history.

Chief Vaughan’s commitment extends beyond firefighting; he has served as the Minister of Music for several churches for the past 30 years and as Principal of Sumter Academy High School for 11 years. He also serves as the National Volunteer Fire Council Director for Alabama and the fire service representative to FirstNet.

Chief Vaughan’s exceptional character and dedication to service were recognized when he was awarded the Alabama Association of Fire Chief’s Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year. His relentless service to the community epitomizes true leadership and commitment.

Career Fire Chief Honoree – Randy Royal, Colorado Springs Fire Department (Colorado)

Chief Randy Royal's career is defined by his authentic investment in people and his strategic vision. Since joining the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) in 1987, he has consistently demonstrated his "mission first, people always" ethos. Under his leadership, the CSFD earned its third consecutive accreditation status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and added new fire stations, personnel, and resources.

Chief Royal’s initiatives include the development of a Tiered Response EMS model, dedicated staffing for the Hazardous Materials Response Team, and community outreach programs such as wildfire preparedness and evacuation planning. His commitment to firefighter safety, health, and wellness is evident through the establishment of the Colorado Firefighter Benefits Trust and various wellness programs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Royal led the CSFD through unprecedented challenges, demonstrating resilience and innovative problem-solving. His efforts in labor-management relations have resulted in collaborative solutions and improved working conditions.
Chief Royal’s leadership extends to technology and training advancements, including the adoption of new EMS documentation systems, regional training programs, and enhanced apparatus and equipment for the fire department.

With a career spanning nearly four decades, Chief Royal has received numerous accolades, including the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control's Fire Chief of the Year and the Congressional Fire Services Institute's Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award.

With numerous achievements, Chiefs C. Reid Vaughan and Randy Royal exemplify outstanding leadership. Their dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to their fire departments and the communities they serve make them deserving recipients of the 2024 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year award.

For more information about Pierce Manufacturing and the IAFC Fire Chief of the Year award, visit www.piercemfg.com.
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Posted: Aug 14, 2024 11:15:00 AM by Pierce Mfg.

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About Pierce Manufacturing
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] business, is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, mini pumpers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the Side Roll Protection system to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce, visit www.piercemfg.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation

At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs over 18,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Hinowa, Power Towers, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, Oshkosh AeroTech™ and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit oshkoshcorp.com.

®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the Company's ability to successfully integrate the AeroTech acquisition and to realize the anticipated benefits associated with the same; the risks associated with international operations and sales, including compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;  the Company’s ability to comply with complex laws and regulations applicable to U.S. government contractors; cybersecurity risks and costs of defending against, mitigating and responding to data security threats and breaches impacting the Company; the Company’s ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate other acquisitions and to realize the anticipated benefits associated with the same; and risks related to the Company’s ability to successfully execute on its strategic road map and meet its long-term financial goals. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update information contained in this news release. Investors should be aware that the Company may not update such information until the Company’s next quarterly earnings conference call, if at all.

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Registered Trademark of Pierce Manufacturing Inc. Appleton, WI, USA an Oshkosh Corporation Business